Proyecto Alcatraz is one of the six initiatives of The Santa Teresa Foundation, on community investment. It began in 2003 as a response to a holdup to a security guard of the company. Once arrested, the muggers were offered the alternative to choose between going to jail or paying for their wrongdoing with non remunerated work for a period of three months. They accepted to work and asked if the other gang members could also be incorporated to the program.

After three months after entering the program, the members of the Proyecto Alcatraz graduate. Once graduated they may choose between a formal job or further education. In the Taller del Constructor Popular, they learn alternative and conventional techniques for home building. In Café Alcatraz, they participate in all stages of the production process of gourmet coffee. In a near future they will participate in the distribution and sales of the product.